I was telling someone yesterday that the mistake we often make when determining who we think will win is simply basing it off of skill. Basketball is not a skills contest when it's played with two really good teams(as these two are). Both teams are skilled or they wouldn't be 1 and 2. It's mainly a "sack" contest. Who has it? Who has been through a grinder? Who can handle the intangibles? Who can handle the physical play? Who is prepared for the unique strategy the other throws at you?

 

If you said "we're having a shooting contest before the game" I'm taking the big 3 from CCH every time.

 

Fortunately, it's not a pre-game shooting contest if you're a CCH fan.

 

There aren't many people in the 9th at getting to the rim AND finishing than Cooper T. If he could hit a consistent 3 he'd almost be unguardable in NKY.

CCH may have won the psychological battle of the players with their well executed no fist bump, trash talking, hard nosed style,. They always have the psychological advantage over the officials with the Assistants (especially Frederick) bantering with the officials before, at halftime, and during every game. Coach Ruthsatz works the men in stripes over pretty well and was on the floor more than some of his starters Friday night.

 

All that considered, I think the two most important factors were:

 

NCC's inability to run the break. Against most teams they get the ball out and up the court in a hurry. Off a miss or a made field goal, they have the ability to score in transition. CCH takes that away. NCC forced to score in the the half court set.

 

Secondly, NCC has a decided advantage in the post. Once it is established that the physical play is not going to be called, the NCC bigs need to be as aggressive and active as the defenders. CCH was able to intercept, deflect, and disrupt the post offense. The entire complexion of this game would have changed if some of those shot fouls in the paint would have been called. I give the officials credit, they were consistent. Even getting a bloody nose on a shot attempt didn't get called.

Compliments to Walter for the vids. Always nice to see these.

Out of curiosity, what is the big deal about "no fist bumps?" I played high school ball for 4 years, starting every game my senior year, and never once fist bumped the opposing players before the tip. I never read anything about it on here or heard anyone say anything about it.

Out of curiosity, what is the big deal about "no fist bumps?" I played high school ball for 4 years, starting every game my senior year, and never once fist bumped the opposing players before the tip. I never read anything about it on here or heard anyone say anything about it.

 

I think it was the first step in the mental tactics which worked because it got in their heads. Not saying it was right/wrong but for me it wasn't what I expected to see from CCH.

I think it was the first step in the mental tactics which worked because it got in their heads. Not saying it was right/wrong but for me it wasn't what I expected to see from CCH.

 

I don't think so bc Pangallo didn't look to bump anyone either. This angle really wasn't a big deal. Being able to grab and slap played more into it

I think it was the first step in the mental tactics which worked because it got in their heads. Not saying it was right/wrong but for me it wasn't what I expected to see from CCH.

 

If this is a mental tactic that got into the NewCath players head (I didn't get a fist bump for the opposition), then you got no business being on the floor.......dumbest thing I've ever heard. :ohbrother:

Could it be CCH is simply better? All this coaches and head games seems like a Hoosiers movie. Lace em up and whomever puts more on the board when the horn sounds is best.

Could it be CCH is simply better? All this coaches and head games seems like a Hoosiers movie. Lace em up and whomever puts more on the board when the horn sounds is best.

I think CCH is just better than NCC.

Great. Now fist bumps or any kind of shaking hands or good sportsmanship greetings before games will not happen.

Progress?:no:

I think CCH is just better than NCC.

 

I truly don't. Not this group, and not last year, at least not in terms of being a better collective of basketball skills. They are better competitors and that is a great advantage to have.

I truly don't. Not this group, and not last year, at least not in terms of being a better collective of basketball skills. They are better competitors and that is a great advantage to have.

 

You're right... They have much more "basketball" skill yet they have lost the past two years in a "basketball" game. Call it however you want...I think panda makes a good point.

I think it was the first step in the mental tactics which worked because it got in their heads. Not saying it was right/wrong but for me it wasn't what I expected to see from CCH.

So their feelings were hurt? Is that the excuse you're going after?